Summer seasons come to an end and the fall season begins.
Endings and beginnings. Thank God for the endings and the beginnings that can follow.
When our summer mission trip to Ft. Hall ended, I wondered what might be beginning in the hearts of Alec and Macie as they bid fond farewells to new friends. Were their mission experiences life changing/ Had their willingness to serve brought them in closer relationship with God? What beginnings were being born in them?
What new beginnings will be born in us the fall of 2010 As your Pastor, I am in discernment with our nomination and leadership development team, prayerfully considering fall in church, whose gifts and talents might be used in service to our congregation.
End of summer brings hopes and dreams of new beginnings in Christian Ed. We're enthusiastic about bringing Godly Play to our church and in the meantime, who will consider teaching Sunday School for our 3-year olds to 6th graders? (Mary Agnes will begin a "Reading the Bible" curriculum with our 7th to 11th graders).
What new ministries might be born this fall? What "old" ministries will begin something new?
I think of the earlier believers who were anxious and concerned when Jesus was no longer among them: "What do we do now?"
Many were baptized and welcomed the Good News, devoting themselves to teaching, service, fellowship, preaching and prayer.
"What do we do now?"
We simply begin.
Blessings,
Pastor Gayle
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PS. Vickie Nye had the misfortune of being in conversation with her pastor one evening. She was mentioned she would be willing to teach a class on Ukrainian egg painting. We discussed the plethora of artists and crafters in our church. Because the pastor's wheels are always turning and a light went off inside the pastor's head, Vickie Nye became the organizer of our "Ministry of Arts and Crafts."
She'll be our scheduler of arts and crafts workshops to be led by folk in the church or by crafters and artists in our community.
Rumor has it that Gail Andrews will be teaching a Hawaiian Quilting workshop this September. Much more to follow.
Kudos to Vickie for being a great church lady!
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Sunday School
Adult Sunday School Class will resume of Sunday, September 12th at 8:45 AM. If you have not received your new study book, Gail Andrews will have it available Sunday Sept. 5th.
We are still in need of Sunday School teachers. Please prayfully consider teaching a 4-week rotation.
Sunday School for 3 years thru 6th grade is slated to begin on Sept. 19th.
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A message from a missing member: The Knams
I just wanted to shout out a friendly hello to everyone!!!!
We are all doing well! Jonathan is excited about starting school tomorrow, and after receiving a guitar for his birthday, has started taking lessons.
Tim is back to installing vinyl siding and has also picked up a part time on call job at the docks unloading the ships that come in. I have taken a part time job in the schools as a paraprofessional and start tomorrow.
We miss you all, please pass along our hello's!
Peace of Christ be with you!!
Love
Tricia Knam
951 Stumpville Rd.
Jefferson, Ohio 44047
(440) 576-4130
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At the beginning of summer, the adults of the congregation were asked to mentor the youth of the church while youth groups and Sunday School were on hiatus. The congregation has stepped up to the plate. This Sunday, the Norcutts will be taking the UMYF on a boating excursion to Rye Patch.
The church has two offical youth groups:
UMYF United Methodist Youth Fellowship
Church Chicks 7th and 8th grade girls book and activity club
Church Chicks update
Pastor Gayle and Amy French enjoyed a day with for wonderful young women.
We spent the day learning to sew and the basics of quilting. Each created their own unique pillow using their choice of colors and patterns. We ended the day with a picnic of hotdogs on the deck. Everyone had such a wonderful time - it was a toss-up if the teachers or the students had more fun.
The home of Rich and Debbie Stone was the setting for the chicks to enjoy a movie night on Wednesday, August 11th.
The girls had read the book "The Outsdiers" earlier and then watched the movie at the Stones. Hot dogs were enjoyed as well as popcorn during the movie and ice cream sundaes afterwards, along with a lively discussion about friendships, cliques, gangs and belonging.
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